Heat and Hot Water Return to Bed-Stuy Building

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Residents of a Bed-Stuy building that had a busted boiler and hot water heater for a year finally have heat.

Tenants of 160 Vernon Ave. said they had to take freezing showers and wear extra layers of clothing to get through the day. At least one resident resorted to opening his oven and turning up the dial to stay warm.

But days after failing an inspection that would fix the problem, residents said management took advantage of a Buildings Department waiver that allowed the services to be turned on temporarily until the inspection can be performed again.

"All of us had our radiator nozzles all the way open, so as soon as it cranked on, all of our apartments just filled up," said Danny Rennhoff, 29. "The first night was like an oven. It was fantastic."

Rennhoff said he even got a personal visit from the building's landlord, Moshe Gold, who apologized for the delay.

Calls for comment were not immediately returned by Gold Monday.

Rennhoff said he was given a rebate on his next rent payment, and is glad the problem was finally being addressed.

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